Frequently Asked Questions

As one of the UK's leading storage tank suppliers, our Customer Support Team receives dozens of enquiries about safe, secure and environmentally responsible fuel storage. To find answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions... just click the relevant question. If however, you've a question we haven't answered then please do not hesitate to contactus for further assistance.

For detailed, installation specific advice, we would also suggest that you contact an OFTEC Registered Technician or similarly competent person. Alternatively, you can call The Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) on 0845 65 85 080.

A Single Skin Oil Tank consists of a single container in which fuel is stored. Unlike Bunded Oil Tanks and Bunded Fuel Tanks, Single Skin Oil Tanks incorporate no secondary containment whatsoever and in the event of a spill, a pollution incident will occur. as an environmentally responsible supplier, TankDepot.co.uk discontinued the supply of Single Skin Oil Tanks in January 2010.

Single Skin Oil Tanks are not suitable for the storage of fuel at commercial, industrial or institutional premises; or at domestic installations with an installed capacity of over 2,500 litres - unless installed within a suitably bunded area. For all other installations, an Oil Tank Risk Assessment must be undertaken by a competent person prior to installation and in accordance with the requirements of OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3.

In anticipation of future possible regulations, serious consideration should be given to fitting a Bunded Tank, even where a single skin tank may currently suffice.

What is a Bunded Tank?

A Bunded Tank simply consists of an 'oil tank within a oil tank'. In the event of a spillage, surplus liquid will collect in the outer tank (or 'bund'), thus averting a pollution incident. Bunded Tanks are now required at commercial, industrial, institutuonal, commercial and most domestic premises.

How close to a boundary can I place an oil storage tank?

If the oil tank has a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres, it should not be placed any closer than 760mm to a boundary. This assumes that there are no flu outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30 minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank.

For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

How close to a flu outlet can I place an oil tank?

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres should not be placed within 1.8 mtres of a flu outlet. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30 minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank.

For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

How close to a building can I place an oil tank?

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity not exceeding 3,500 litres should not be fitted any closer than 1.8 metres to a non fire rated (30 minutes minimum fire resistance) wall or eaves. Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the measures noted in British Standard BS5410 and OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 must be provided i.e. the provision of a 30 minutes (minimum) fire resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank.

It will be necessary to protect exposed eaves forming part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil tank to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance. Cladding can be applied to the eaves in order to prevent fire from spreading to the roof.

For oil tanks with a capacity of 3,500 litre or greater, please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

Can I place an oil tank inside a domestic garage or building?

Internal oil storage tanks should never be installed in a habitable area and if installed internally, should always be contained within an enclosed chamber. Detailed requirements exist for internal oil storage installations. For more information contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

Are any plastic oil tanks sold by TankDepot.co.uk suitable for direct burial underground?

All oil tanks supplied by TankDepot.co.uk are manufactured from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) - a material that displays excellent chemical and impact resistance properties, making it ideal for external fuel storage.

Fittings vary according to tank type and supplier. However, in general fill points are made from either coated mild or stainless steel, outlets from coated mild steel, and vent points are manufactured from plastic. All materials used in the manufacture of oil tanks supplied by TankDepot.co.uk are resistant to the potentially damaging long term effects of fuel.

What are the base requirements for plastic oil tanks?

All plastic oil tanks must be installed on a flat, level and fire resistant base capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. If concrete slabs are used they should be a minimum of 50mm thick. The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank and fully support the base of the tank in its entirety. Piers are not suitable for this purpose and can cause irreperable damage to the tank.

There is a two pin type socket fitted to my Harlequin oil tank. What is this for?

This permits an LRC enabled delivery driver to plug in his overfill prevention equipment and is not for consumer use.

Are plastic oil tanks designed to protect from the damaging effects of sunlight?

Yes. Every oil tank sold by TankDepot.co.uk is manufactured from a material which incorporated UV inhibitors. These prevent UV rays from permeating the structure of the tank, thus preventing fuel degredation.

Are plastic oil tanks supplied by TankDepot.co.uk suitable for the storage of fuel for aviation use?

No.

Are plastic oil tanks fitted with sludge valves / cocks?

No. Today, no openings (other than the tank outlet) are permitted below the maximum level of fuel in any oil tank. This reduces the risk of accidental spillage. In the event that contaminants (e.g. water) need to be removed from an oil tank, they should be removed by an appropriately licensed contractor via the inspection apperture fitted to each tank.

I have discovered the presence of water in my oil. How do I get this removed?

Please contact your local fuel distributor who will be able to provide advice on how best to remove it.

Are plastic oil tanks suitable for use with oil fired cookers?

Yes.

On warm days there is a slight smell of oil from my oil tank. Why?

This is perfectly normal and is simply the fuel venting through the weatherproof vent fitted to the oil tank.

Are plastic Oil Recycling Banks / Waste Oil Tanks suitable for the disposal of petrol or any other highly flammable liquid?

No. For advice on how to dispose of petrol and any other similarly dangerous liquids, please contact your local authority.

What are the advantages of a Tiger Loop?

The Tiger Loop is a de-aeration device which removes air from the fuel prior to combustion. The result is a cleaner, more-efficient burn, with reduced emissions and enhanced cold weather performance.

Additionally, the Tiger Loop can permit the tank to be positioned lower than the burner and up to 30 metres away. Therefore when connected to a pressure jet burner, it is ideal for Top Outlet Bunded Tank installations and eliminates the need for an undesirable return line.

Please note that Tiger Loops are unsuitable for use with installations incorporating a vapourising burner.

Does a Tiger Loop require batteries or mains power?

No.

How do I prime a Tiger Loop?

The Tiger Loop is self priming.

Do you sell gravity feed kits for the delivery of diesel fuel?

No, as an environmentally responsible manufacturer we do not supply these kits, due to the high risk of accidental damage / discharge associated with their use. Additionally, at many installations today their continued use is illegal. If you require a tank to store diesel fuel for vehicular use, we would advise you consider a Harlequin Fuel Station, Fuel Point,Titan DieselStoreor Titan Fuelmaster.

For BioDiesel applications, Harlequin BioFuel Stations are suitable for BioDiesel blends of up to B100. Alternatively, for connection to remote pedestal type dispensing units, Harlequin's BioBund range is ideal. Please note that all BioDiesel tanks supplied by TankDepot.co.uk are suitable only for use wit BioDiesel produced in accordance with British and European Standards.

Do you supply dipsticks?

No - not as separate items.

However, dipsticks are supplied as standard on all Harlequin tanks with a capacity less than 3,000 litres.

What liquids can the Apollo and Watchman remote electronic oil tank gauges be used to monitor?

Kerosene (C1/C2), Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2), Diesel (D) and Water.

Is an Apollo fuel level monitor compatible with a Watchman / Full Stop Handheld Unit?

Thirteen amp, single phase mains power supply with a Residual Current Device (RCD) fitted at the connection point to the power supply. All mains electrical installations must only be undertaken by a qualified electrician and must be inspected and tested regularly in accordance with statutory requirements.

No. The pumps and ancillary equipment fitted to these tanks are suitable only for use with Diesel or Biodiesel, as per product specifications. Dispensing a non-approved fuel from this equipment could result in serious injury or death.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Every effort is made to keep this area of the site up to date. However, TankDepot.co.uk cannot be held liable for errors or omissions. Compliance with statutory requirements is the responsibility of the person(s) who install, use and maintain products supplied by TankDepot.co.uk. If you have concerns over compliance, you must seek professional advice, contact your local Building Control Officer, your local environmental authority or The Oil Firing Technical Association. TankDepot.co.uk strongly advises that all oil storage installations should be installed and maintained only by an OFTEC Registered Technician. TankDepot.co.uk wll not be responsible for installations which do not comply with prevailing statutory requirements.